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LET’S PARTY DAY 9

My final guest (not counting me) is the incredibly talented, and huge star of the future, Nalini Singh – and she’s from NZ too!!!! Nalini is above with Amanda Ashby.

Change

Change is the lifeblood of a good story. In many a book, change is the catalyst, the event or realization from which everything begins. In my first ever published book (Desert Warrior) the story starts with the heroine walking out of the airport, having left her old life behind in pursuit of a love she once threw away. The same kind of change marked my debut single title Slave to Sensation – here, the heroine’s own mind starts to rebel against the restrictions she’s placed on it, forcing her to seek a better way…or die.

Now, as readers, we don’t face the same high stakes. If we don’t change our reading choices, we’re not going to find ourselves running from death (I hope), but we might just face stagnation. Have you ever had those days where nothing in your 500book to-be-read pile seems interesting? What’s your method for dealing with such a situation?
Personally, I’ve often found that change is the key. It’s at those times that I pick up books I might never have picked up otherwise. Sometimes these chance picks prove to be fantastic, introducing me to new authors, new worlds. At other times, they make me appreciate the tried and true.

What’s your opinion? Is a change in reading habits a breath of fresh air, or is it more trouble than it’s worth? For those of you who have tried something different lately, did you discover any treasures?

Leave a comment to be in to win a signed copy of either Slave to SensationorVisions of Heat, the first two books in my Psy/Changeling series. If you win and would prefer one of my Silhouette Desire books instead, just let me know. Also, if you’d like to go into the draw for a $50 Amazon voucher, check out this contest I’m running.

Nalini Singh has travelled as far afield as the deserts of China and the temples of Japan. However, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her the most. Currently writing the next book in her bestselling Psy/Changeling series—about a race with no emotions, and the sensual changelings who challenge their perfect Silence—she can be found via her website: http://www.nalinisingh.com, or hanging out at her blog: http://www.nalinisingh.blogspot.com.

20 thoughts on “LET’S PARTY DAY 9”

I read a lot of romantic comedies and fantasy book but hardly ever read non-fiction, because let’s face it, life is too short for the truth, but after my husband raved about Bill Bryson’s, A Short History of Everything, I decided to give it a go, and wow -it was seriously the most amazing book and I’m so pleased I picked up (not least because it had about a zillion potential plots in it!!!). So, yes, I’m a big fan of having a shake up when it comes to reading habits.

Hi, Nalini
I don’t know if it’s an honour or the opposite for us to be the last guests at this fabulous party but here we are and I’m still enjoying it and I’m sure everyone else is, too.

I’ve always had fairly eclectic (I’ve been waiting to use that word for ages) reading tastes – sagas, rom-coms, light non-fiction and, in children’s books, anything from picture books upwards.
I’ve never been a fan of fantasy or paranormal though, well, that is until 2 of the witches wrote in those genres. So now, I do sometimes read fantasy or para – or a mixture of both. Oh, and because of the “interactive internet” (borrowed that from Amanda) I also read more books by American authors than I used to as well.
A change of reading habits is good.

I’ve always shied away from paranormals but I recently read a YA one by Mari Mancussi, Stake That. All of a sudden I find they can be written so well that I suspend my disbelief and am drawn into the story. Now I can’t wait to read more!

I find that when my reading stagnates, I pick up a cherished story, rather than something new. If I’m in a rut, I go with a favorite Linda Howard, or more likely a Nora Roberts. If it happens to be a Nora paranormal, that might get me back in the swing of things. It it happens to be a Mary Balogh regency, perhaps I’ll then try that regency that’s been in my stack. But usually an old favorite will get my juices going for a new read. Likewise, I go back to the old favorites when I read a turkey. Something that I didn’t enjoy for a variety of reasons. It kind of cleanses the palate.

Ooh Nalini, I think I must be stalking you too, didn’t I just see you over on Bam’s blog? LOL

As for TBR piles, that’s a good question. Sometimes I do look at it for an awful long time before deciding which book. I normally make myself go in order (and sometimes I have to if I’m reviewing a book for someone), but every once in a while I close my eyes and grab. I just read The Cinderella Pact, after choosing it that way. I quite enjoyed it.

Like Pat, I didn’t read paras until ‘forced’ to because my crit partners started to write them…..I mean how inconsiderate is that 🙂 Now I do read and enjoy them. The young adult book Marked by PC Cast and Kristin Cast is one fabulous book – and I will definitely read more in the series. And let’s not forget Nalini’s books.

I didn’t read romantic suspense either, before discovering Allison Brennan….. and man can she write a page turning book!

I started off as a young girl reading Phyllis A. Whitney and Victoria Holt. Then I got into Harlequin’s and Silhouettes. Seems as the years have gone buy I just keep adding genres. I love variety. It keeps me from getting bored. I am always looking forward to trying out new authors. My twin sister and I are always introducing each other to new authors since our tastes are so similiar.

Hi Nalini! I agree about reading across the spectrum. After reading several romances on the trot, I find I have to pick up something completely different, like a Stephen King! I’ve also got into YA this year, mainly because my son likes to discuss his books with me, and I really loved the Bartemaeus series.

Jessica – isn’t SM fantastic?! I’ve read the first book and am looking fwd to catching up with books two and three.

MK / Michelle – LOL!! And MaryKate you’re so right about favorites perking you up. Though sometimes, I just want to read more favorites.

Robynl – I think the less time you have, the tougher you end up being. When I’m pressed for time, a book has a very short period in which to grab me.

Sara – I agree – Marked is fabulous!! Sooo good.

Hey Danette – nice to see you here. 🙂

Cherie J – you’re lucky to have such a good reading buddy!

Catslady – too true. While I was in Japan, books were sometimes hard to come by, so I read whatever I could get my hands on. Tried a lot of stuff I never would’ve otherwise. Enjoyed things I’d never have guessed I’d enjoy.

Hey Christina – did you check out my blog today. I have a photo of you and Amanda up. 🙂

Sue – yep, my favorite authors can really tug at the emotions, no matter what genre they write in.

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Sara Hantz has been a prolific reader all her life, but it wasn’t until she was an adult that she got the writing bug. She writes contemporary adult and young adult fiction and her debut book The Second Virginity of Suzy Green made the prestigious list ‘New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age’. Sara lectured for many years before deciding to devote more time to her writing and working in the family hospitality business. She has two grown-up children and when not writing, working, or online with her friends, she spends more time than most people she knows watching TV – in fact if TV watching was an Olympic sport she’d win gold. She has presented many writing workshops with her partner-in-crime Amanda Ashby.